ARS | Publication request: Structure-property considerations in the development of biolubricants

Submitted to: Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: December 21, 2012
Publication Date: May 5, 2013
Citation: Biresaw, G., Bantchev, G.B. 2013. Structure-property considerations in the development of biolubricants [abstract]. Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers. p. 70.

Technical Abstract: Vegetable oils and their derivatives such as alkyl esters of various fatty acids are good candidates for the development of biolubricants. These materials possess structures that gives them certain highly desirable properties for lubricant applications than that found in petroleum-based oil. Among such desirable properties are: renewability, biodegradability, low volatility, high viscosity index, low friction and wear under boundary conditions, etc. Vegetable oils and their derivatives also possess structures that causes them to have inferior properties in some areas of interest in lubrication. Among the well known shortcomings of these materials include: poor oxidation stability, high pour point, high cloud point, poor hydrolitic stability, and poor bio-resistance. Various efforts are underway at altering the structures of these materials to overcome their shortcomings. In this presentation, application of chemical modification to improve the tribological properties of vegetable oils and their derivatives will be discussed.